Syria signs strategic oil deal with ConocoPhillips and Nova Terra Energy

The Syrian Petroleum Company has signed a memorandum of understanding with ConocoPhillips and Nova Terra Energy to develop gas fields and boost exploration amid ongoing energy shortages.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The Syrian Petroleum Company has formalised a memorandum of understanding with ConocoPhillips and Nova Terra Energy to develop several natural gas fields and launch new exploration programmes. Syrian energy authorities stated that the planned works would be carried out using advanced technical standards aimed at increasing national production capacity.

A partnership to support economic recovery

The Syrian Ministry of Energy specified that the agreement is part of a strategy to enhance cooperation with foreign firms in the oil and gas sectors. The country’s infrastructure has suffered significant damage over years of conflict, limiting output and increasing dependence on imports. Authorities believe the memorandum could generate additional revenues, though no financial estimates or investment timelines have been disclosed.

Cooperation with international actors comes as Syria seeks to stabilise its hydrocarbon supply. Refining and transportation capacities remain constrained, slowing the full restart of domestic production. Operational details related to upcoming exploration activities have not been made public.

An energy environment marked by supply constraints

Syria continues to face widespread electricity and fuel shortages. Supply interruptions are frequent and affect the entire country. In this context, a shipment of 650,000 barrels of crude oil recently arrived under a support initiative from Saudi Arabia to help stabilise the energy network.

The arrival of foreign cargo remains essential to supplement local output until the potential impact of the announced development projects materialises. Authorities have not specified how the new agreement with ConocoPhillips and Nova Terra Energy will be integrated into national plans to rehabilitate oil and gas capacities.

A signal to international investors

The involvement of major foreign firms may signal a broader opening of the Syrian energy sector. Upcoming developments will be closely monitored by market participants, as hydrocarbon needs remain high and infrastructure continues to require substantial investment.

Subsea7 has secured a subsea installation contract from LLOG for the Buckskin South project, scheduled for execution between 2026 and 2027, strengthening its position in the Gulf of Mexico and boosting its order book visibility.
Global crude oil production is expected to rise by 0.8 million barrels per day in 2026, with Brazil, Guyana and Argentina contributing 50% of the projected increase.
Woodbridge Ventures II Inc. signs definitive agreement with Greenflame Resources for a transformative merger, alongside a concurrent financing of up to $10mn.
Interceptions of ships linked to Venezuelan oil are increasing, pushing shipowners to suspend operations as PDVSA struggles to recover from a cyberattack that disrupted its logistical systems.
Harbour Energy acquires US offshore operator LLOG for $3.2bn, adding 271 million barrels in reserves and establishing a fifth operational hub in the Gulf of Mexico.
The agreement signed with Afreximbank marks a strategic shift for Heirs Energies, aiming to scale up its exploration and production operations on Nigeria's OML 17 oil block.
Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan’s appointment as head of Nigeria’s oil regulator marks a strategic shift as the country targets $10bn in upstream investment through regulatory reform and transparent licensing.
Baghdad states that all international companies operating in Kurdistan’s oil fields must transfer their production to state marketer SOMO, under the agreement signed with Erbil in September.
Chinese oil group CNOOC continues its expansion strategy with a new production start-up in the Pearl River Basin, marking its ninth offshore launch in 2025.
A train carrying over 1,200 tonnes of gasoline produced in Azerbaijan entered Armenia on December 19, marking the first commercial operation since recent conflicts, with concrete implications for regional transit.
Subsea 7 has secured a new extension of its frame agreement with Equinor for subsea inspection, maintenance and repair services through 2027, deploying the Seven Viking vessel on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
Caracas says Iran has offered reinforced cooperation after the interception of two ships carrying Venezuelan crude, amid escalating tensions with the United States.
US authorities intercepted a second oil tanker carrying Venezuelan crude, escalating pressure on Caracas amid accusations of trafficking and tensions over sanctioned oil exports.
California Resources Corporation completed an all-stock asset transfer with Berry Corporation, strengthening its oil portfolio in California and adding strategic exposure in the Uinta Basin.
The Ugandan government aims to authorise its national oil company to borrow $2 billion from Vitol to fund strategic projects, combining investments in oil infrastructure with support for national logistics needs.
British company BP appoints Meg O'Neill as CEO to lead its strategic refocus on fossil fuels, following the abandonment of its climate ambitions and the early departure of Murray Auchincloss.
The Venezuelan national oil company has confirmed the continuity of its crude exports, as the United States enforces a maritime blockade targeting sanctioned vessels operating around the country.
Baker Hughes will supply advanced artificial lift systems to Kuwait Oil Company to enhance production through integrated digital technologies.
The United States has implemented a full blockade on sanctioned tankers linked to Venezuela, escalating restrictions on the South American country's oil flows.
Deliveries of energy petroleum products fell by 4.5% in November, driven down by a sharp decline in diesel, while jet fuel continues its growth beyond pre-pandemic levels.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.